Department News and Alerts

Columbia, MD- Just after 11:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2015, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a single family house fire in the 4900 block of Canvasback Drive in Columbia, MD.

Columbia, MD- Just before 10:15am on February 19, 2015, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a townhouse fire in the 5400 block of Ring Dove Lane in Columbia, MD.

Ellicott City, MD- Just before 4:00 PM on Monday, February 16, 2014 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a townhouse fire in the 4800 block of Dorsey Hall Dr in Ellicott City, MD.

Ellicott City, MD- Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman will hold a news conference on Tuesday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m. to announce his choice of Chief for the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Ellicott City, MD- Just after 4 p.m. on December 29, 2014, career and volunteer firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched for report of a house fire in the 4500 block of Doncaster Drive in Ellicott City.

Ellicott City, MD- At approximately 4:30 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to Route 100 East just prior to Executive Park Dr in Ellicott City for a car into a storm water retention pond.

At 7:30 PM on 12/13/14, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched for a house fire in the 10,000 block of Guilford Road in Jessup.

Ellicott City, MD- At approximately 1:15 AM on Monday, December 08, 2014, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a house fire in the 8400 block of Mitzy Ln in Ellicott City.

Just after 12 noon, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), Baltimore County Fire Department, and Anne Arundel County Fire Department were dispatched for a house fire in the 5600 block of Railroad Avenue in Elkridge.

At approximately 3:30 am this morning, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), Anne Arundel and Prince George's Fire Departments responded to the 9500 Block of Old Lantern Way in Laurel for a reported garage fire. First responders arrived to find smoke and fire showing from a garage attached to a single story, detached residence.

The holidays are a great time for family gatherings but did you know that Thanksgiving is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year. That’s why the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding citizens to be safe.

Laurel, MD- At approximately 1am this morning, personnel from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) as well as the Prince George's and Anne Arundel Fire Departments 10, 11 were alerted for smoke in the structure in the 9000 block of Bourbon Street in North Laurel.

Columbia, MD- At approximately 4:20 PM this afternoon, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched for a fire at a multi-family apartment building in the 5600 block of Columbia Road in Columbia.

Marriottsville, MD- On October 20, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will host the Maryland Resuscitation Academy at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center (PSTC).

Laurel, MD- At approximately 1:25pm, firefighters and special operation crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 9100 block of Stebbing Way in Laurel for reports of a tree collapse.

Laurel, MD- Just after 1:00 PM on Friday, October 10, 2014 firefighter and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 9400 block of Woodsong Court in North Laurel for multiple 911 callers reporting smoke coming from a townhouse.

Columbia, MD- It’s time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 5th – 11th, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will join the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind residents to test their smoke alarms every month.

Ellicott City, MD- Shortly after 1pm on September 21, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) firefighters and paramedics were called to the 10600 block of Clarksville Pike for a barn fire.

Columbia, MD- Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) and the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) have joined together to ensure that 4th grade students pledge to learn the basics of smoke alarm safety. The department will challenge all HCPSS 4th grade students to take the “Smoke Alarm Safety Pledge” now through October 3, 2014.

Elkridge, MD – County Council Vice Chair Courtney Watson will join Fire/EMS Chief William Goddard and members of the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department for the groundbreaking of the new Elkridge Fire Station.

Columbia, MD – The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce that it is being honored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) with the Billy Goldfeder Fire Service Organizational Safety Award of the year.

Woodbine, MD- At approximately 4:30 p.m. on August 30, 2014, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 2800 block of Daisy Road in Woodbine, MD for a reported man trapped under a tree.

Columbia, MD –The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services would like to invite the public and members of the media to join Fire/EMS Chief William F. Goddard, III at the commencement ceremony celebrating the graduation of Trainee Class 28.

Just before 7:30 AM on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched for a motor vehicle collision with injuries along the 7500 block of Washington Blvd in Jessup.

Shortly after 9:00 pm on Thursday evening, July 17, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were called to the 10700 block of Graeloch Road in North Laurel for a house fire.

Elkridge, MD- At around 11:00 this morning, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for the report of a 4" plastic gas line struck in the area of Ilchester Rd and Landing Rd in Elkridge.

Marriottsville, MD- On May 29th – 30th, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will host the Maryland Resuscitation Academy at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). The mission of this two-day seminar is to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death in the nation. Health care providers, dispatchers, and emergency medical services (EMS) coordinators from across the nation are expected to attend.

Marriottsville, MD- Just before 12:30 PM on Sunday, May 25, 2014 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) and the Carroll County Water Rescue/Dive Team were alerted for a swift water rescue in the Patapsco River off of Henryton Rd

Ellicott City, MD- At approximately 2:15pm on Thursday, May 22, 2014, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) and Carroll County responded to a report of a house fire in the 2900 block of Timber Trails Court in Ellicott City, MD.

Elkridge, MD- At 1:00 AM on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County responded to a report of a house fire in the 7300 block of Montgomery Rd in Elkridge, MD.

In recognition of U.S. Fire Administration Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10, Howard County police and members from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services will host a joint training session May 7 to raise awareness of vehicle arsons.

Woodbine, MD- Shortly after 2pm on Saturday, May 3, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) operated on the scene of a working fire in the 16000 block of Ed Warfield Road in Woodbine, MD.

Columbia, MD - Dr. Kevin Seaman, Medical Director of Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) has been selected as an innovator in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).Dr. Seaman will be recognized as one of the EMS 10: Innovators in EMS 2013 at the EMS Today Conference scheduled for February 5 – 8, 2014 in Washington, D.C.

Columbia, MD- Just after 1:30PM on Friday, February 7, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) was dispatched to the 11300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, MD for reports of an apartment fire with people trapped.

Ellicott City, MD- At around 4:30am this morning, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a small apartment fire in the 3300 block of North Chatham Road.

North Laurel, MD- At around 5:15 am this morning, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), and the Anne Arundel, Prince George's and Montgomery county fire departments were alerted for an end-of-the-row townhouse fire.

Columbia, MD - Shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) units were dispatched to the 10400 block of Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia to investigate an automatic fire alarm sounding.The building is a four-story commercial building with several businesses.

Marriottsville, MD- The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) recently honored members of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team for their actions on September 16, 2013 during the Navy Yard Shooting that took place in Washington D.C.

At approximately 11:00pm this evening, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) was alerted for a house fire in the 5000 block of Ellis Lane in Ellicott City. Callers reported flames from the front of the house with possible children trapped. Units arrived to find a two-story residence with an attached garage and flames through the roof.

At approximately 11:30 AM on Sunday, December 8, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 3500 block of Sylvan Lane in Ellicott City for a house fire

The winter months are a time of celebrations, family, food and gifts. Decorations are also one of the highlights of the holiday season. While candles, Christmas trees, and other decorations are part of the holiday spirit, they can pose fire

At approximately 11 00am on December 2nd, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 6000 block of Blue Point Court in Clarksville for a report of smoke. Read More....

Ellicott City- Shortly after midnight on Monday, November 25, approximately 40 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 6200 block of Waterloo Road for an apartment fire.

Ellicott City- Shortly before 2:00 AM on Saturday, November 23, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services were dispatched to the 8200 block of Chandler Court for a house fire.

Ellicott City- At approximately 8:30 PM on Thursday, September 12, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services were dispatched to the 8900 block of Town & Country Boulevard in Ellicott City for an apartment fire.

Columbia – Autumn is a season full of changes, and the
Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) would like to
remind residents as they prepare for the Halloween holiday to also remember to
“Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery.”

Columbia– A group of firefighters from across the nation are joining for a mission trip to Liberia to help rebuild their fire service. The group is traveling to the country under the partnership of the non-profit organization, Fire Rescue Alliance and the government of Liberia. The team will be in Liberia for three weeks teaching fire rescue classes, assessing the needs for future growth and coordinating the donation of fire gear, donated equipment, an ambulance and a fire engine.

The newest member of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) has a nose up on arsonists and is planning on using those skills to sniff out the causes of fires.This new investigator is accelerant detection dog named Horton. Horton is a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix who has just completed a five week canine-accelerant detection school sponsored by State Farm Insurance® and certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Columbia– The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will honor the 343 fire service brothers and sisters who selflessly gave their lives on September 11, 2001 so that others might live.

Columbia – It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 6th-12th the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to ‘Prevent Kitchen Fires.'

Columbia- Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS), Howard County Police Department (HCPD), and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) worked to remove a small quantity of explosive material from a commercial building in the 9100 block of Guilford Road in Columbia.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced today that he is proposing significant enhancements to the County’s benefit package for volunteer firefighter/EMS personnel known as the “Length of Service Award Program,” or LoSAP.

Dayton- Just before 12:30AM on Sunday, September 8, 2013 firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 5000 block of Ten Oaks Rd in Dayton, MD for a house fire.

Columbia- With the heat of summer returning to the area, the Howard County Health Department, Police Department and Fire Department want to remind parents and others who care for children never to leave a child in a vehicle unattended.

North
Laurel- On 7/5/13, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County
Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) (assisted by fire crews from
both Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties) quickly extinguished a mobile
home fire on Ruth Avenue in North Laurel. The mobile home suffered extensive
damage and was declared uninhabitable.

Columbia-
Approximately 40 firefighters and paramedics are on the scene of a townhouse
fire in the 7500 block of Swan Point Way in Columbia. First arriving units
found heavy fire coming from the basement on the front side of the building and
heavy smoke coming from the basement on the back of the home.

Columbia-
At approximately 10:00 PM on August 17, 2013 firefighters and paramedics from
Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched
to the 5200 block of Rivendell in Columbia, MD for an apartment fire.

Columbia –The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services would like to invite the public and members of the media to join Fire Chief William F. Goddard, III at the commencement ceremony celebrating the graduation of Trainee Class 27.

Savage – The department is pleased to announce that it will hold a dedication ceremony for the new fire station in Savage. The station will be home to a combination of 21 career personnel across three shifts and 80 active volunteer members who provide nightly and weekend coverage as duty crews.

At approximately 1:30am on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded to the 5400 block of Weatherside Run in Columbia for reports of a tree fallen onto a house.

Just after 7pm on Monday, June 10, 2013, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded from the 3200 block of Starting Gate Court in Woodbine, MD for reports of a structure collapse.

In response to the events that unfolded at the Rocky Gorge Reservoir (in North Laurel, Howard County) on Monday afternoon, Howard County Dept. of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) would like to remind county visitors and residents of some simple swimming safety tips.

On May 28, 2013, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) units responded to the scene of a 2 alarm townhouse fire in the 6900 block of Ducketts Lane in Elkridge. Howard County 911 received a call shortly before 12:30 AM for a fire on a deck in the rear of the structure.

At approximately 4 PM on Monday, May 27, 2013, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) and Howard County Police Department (HCPD) were dispatched for a water rescue at Scott's Cove in the 11000 block of Harding Road in North Laurel.

In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Sunday, May 19th through Saturday May 25th, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) recognized the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) as the 2013 best EMS program in the state.

On May 16th – 17th, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will host a two-day symposium aimed at improving survival of sudden cardiac arrest. This intensive Maryland Resuscitation Academy is attracting more than 60 dispatchers, health providers and emergency medical services coordinators who are focused on initiatives to combat cardiac arrest, which is the nation’s leading cause of death.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $544,060 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for emergency firefighting equipment and a ‘mayday’ training program.

Just before 10:00pm, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 3000 block of Mullineaux Lane in Ellicott City for reports of fire showing from the roof of a two-story single family home.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is pleased to announce that one of its own has been recognized by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) as one of the top ten emergency medical services (EMS) innovators in the country.

Ever wonder what it takes to become a firefighter or paramedic? Over the next six months, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) newest batch of trainees will learn firsthand.

Firefighters and paramedics responded to the 8800 block of Tamar Drive in Columbia for a fire at the Columbia Landing apartments. One woman was rescued and transported in critical condition to Bayview Medical Center.

Safety should be at the top of the wish list when it comes to toy shopping this holiday season. According to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission there was an increase in toy-related injuries in 2011, with an estimated 262,300 children treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms across the United States.

In addition to food, family and gifts, decorations are one of the highlights of the holiday season. While candles, Christmas trees, and other decorations are part of the holiday spirit, they can pose fire and poisoning hazards, especially to young children.

On Wednesday, November 21, 2012 crews from the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 12700 block of Folly Quarter Road for a fire at the Glenelg Country School.

For Immediate Release November 26, 2012 COLUMBIA, MD – The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is partnering with the Howard County Autism Society (HCAS) on a progressive training program that teaches personnel how to respond

During Thanksgiving it can be easy to get overwhelmed or distracted due to the amount of food that’s being prepared and the number of guests in the home. But it’s important that you take preventative measures and make safety your top priority because fires and injuries can ruin the holiday.

Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) used two pieces of technology to detect and treat patients who had been overcome by carbon monoxide (CO) on the morning of October 30, 2012.

At approximately 5 PM on Sunday, October 28, HCDFRS units were dispatched to the 8100 block of Jenmar Road in Savage for a commercial building fire.Callers reported seeing a large column of smoke from the nearby residences and from Washington Boulevard.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is proud to stand, once again, with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) as bells ring from coast to coast in honor of those firefighters who died in the line of duty last year. This second annual Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters event will take place on Sunday, October 7th as a part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

In almost every fire station across the country, the kitchen table is so much more than just a place to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner - it is the center of a fire station's activity during each 24-hour shift. Thanks to two members of the community, the crew assigned to Station 11 has a brand new kitchen table to serve as the heart of their station.

Just after 4:30am, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 7900 block of Waterloo Road in Jessup, MD for reports of a fire at Mel's Liquors.

In the early morning of August 29, 2012, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) units were dispatched to the 7000 block of Sandalfoot Way in Columbia after the resident called 911 when the home's carbon monoxide detector began sounding.

HCDFRS will be using the sites to provide time-sensitive notifications related to fire incidents, special events, disasters and weather emergencies. These sites will also aid in disseminating fire prevention tips, medical EMS-related tips, success stories and more.

At approximately 6 00 A.M. on Sunday, August 12, 2012 firefighters from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) were alerted for a residential fire alarm activation in the 5100 block of Britten Lane in Ellicott City. Seconds

Firefighters and paramedics in the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) are in the process of visiting assisted living facilities in the community and canvassing neighborhoods in order to check on the welfare of residents and pass out vital safety information. As recovery efforts continue, HCDFRS is reminding citizens to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.

As the July 4th holiday weekend approaches, Howard County fire and rescue officials and police remind residents and businesses to keep their celebrations safe and lawful. In other parts of the state, certain ground-based sparkling devices are legal, but in Howard County, the sale, possession and use of ground-based sparklers is prohibited. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Handheld sparklers, party poppers, ignitable “snakes” and “snap ’n’ pops” remain legal.

Just after 8am on June 19, 2011, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to a reported apartment fire just off of 9700 Mountain Laurel Way in Laurel, MD. Initial reports indicate that the occupant of the apartment was cooking in the kitchen when the stove caught fire.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce that Fire/EMS Chief William F. Goddard III, has appointed former Assistant Chief John Butler, a 19-year-veteran of HCDFRS, to the position of Deputy Chief.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), is pleased to announce the implementation of a new technology called the CommandScope™ All Hazard Pre-Incident Plan program. CommandScope gives first responders access to critical pre-plan information, both on-site and en route on their Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), which includes maps, photographs, utility shutoff locations, floor plans, fire protection systems, hazardous material information, critical occupant information and emergency lockdown procedures about the site they have been dispatched to.

This Safety and Health Week, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding motorists to practice safety first and always, by being careful when driving on the roadways.

Shortly before midnight on Sunday evening, June 10, units from Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were dispatched to the 10300 block of Scaggsville Road in Laurel for a house fire.

In observance of National CPR & AED Awareness Week (June 3-9), the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is offering a 30-minute Hands-Only CPR training to county employees who are often out in the community interacting with citizens.

A regular night at an indoor soccer game for a Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) firefighter proved anything but when she helped to save the life of a fellow player suffering a heart attack. Stephanie Cizek’s remarkable story highlights the theme of this year’s National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week: “EMS More than a Job. A Calling,” which ends Saturday, May 26th.

Just after 2:00am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 6100 block of Majors Lane in Columbia, MD for reports of a townhouse fire.

Just after 10:30pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 7000 block of Guilford Road in Clarksville, MD for reports of a house fire.

In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Sunday, May 20th through Saturday May 26th, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) invites the community to partner with them by making a commitment to battle sudden cardiac arrest.

Just after 11 20am on Friday, May 18, 2012, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 6900 block of San Tomas Road in Elkridge, MD for reports of a fire at Advance Polybag Incorporated.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce that recruitment efforts are currently under way for the next academy class. During this recruitment phase, those who have served in the military will be given priority as the Department moves to fill up to 41 positions.

In Howard County, nearly half of all fires that fire marshals investigate involve youth, ages 5 – 18. That’s why the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ Office of the Fire Marshal is taking extra steps to spread awareness on the dangers of youth fire setting.

In the wake of three residential fires within a 24-hour period, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding residents that improperly disposing of cigarettes can result in injury and property damage. These incidents especially highlight the increased danger of fires in the wake of the dry, windy conditions that have been experienced throughout the region.

Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Chief William Goddard is requesting citizen support for legislation filed that will establish a single fire and rescue tax district for all of Howard County.

Members of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services’ (HCDFRS) special operations team will be conducting a technical rope rescue training exercise on Wednesday, April 11th from 11am – 2pm. During this exercise, a scenario involving a “car over the bridge” will be enacted and firefighters and paramedics will be tasked with responding to the scene and rescuing victims.

The teenagers that were seriously injured in February after the Ellicott City bus crash reunited today with the paramedics and firefighters who saved their lives. Trauma nurses from the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center were also at the reunion to highlight unique aspects of the care provided during the emergency response that made for a successful outcome.

At approximately 2:10am on Friday, March 30th, units from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 8400 block of Dorsey Run Road in Jessup for reports of a train derailment.

Just before 6:00am on April 16, 2012, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) received a 911 call for a report of smoke inside of Long Reach High School, located in the 6100 Blk of Old Dobbin Lane in Columbia, MD. When HCDFRS units arrived, they were advised by the school's maintenance personnel that there was a refrigerant leak inside of the school.

Howard County police and firefighters are warning citizens about a common prank in which empty plastic bottles are being turned into explosive devices. While there have been no serious injuries in Howard County related to these devices, police and fire marshals want the public to be aware of the potential dangers of these devices, sometimes referred to as “bottle bombs.”

At approximately 8:50 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services received a 911 call reporting a house fire in the 8000 block of Savage Guilford Rd. Units arrived within five minutes and reported a car fire under a carport with flames spreading into the home.

At approximately 12 00 am, the 911 center received a telephone call reporting a house fire on Paradise Avenue in Elkridge. Units arrived within five minutes and reported a working fire in the basement of a single family home with no extension.

Just after 6pm, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 1600 block of Long Corner Road in Lisbon, MD for reports of a house fire. Units arrived to find a single family home with heavy fire showing from the roof and windows.

Just after 1:30 pm this afternoon the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded for a report of a residential house fire on Walnut Grove in Columbia. No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

In addition to food, family and gifts, decorations are one of the highlights of the holiday season. While candles, Christmas trees, and other decorations are part of the holiday spirit, they can pose fire and poisoning hazards, especially to young children.

As winter approaches, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) along with emergency department staff at Howard County General Hospital already have a plan in place should the region see significant snow falls as it did during the blizzards of 2010.

Results from Experiments to be Taught in a National Class: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will be partnering with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) to conduct a full-scale fire experiment. This experiment will be used to collect data on fire behavior, gas temperatures, heat fluxes, toxicity measurements, smoke detector and sprinkler activation times and temperatures associated with a fire in a single family home, as it goes through flashover.

Just before 9pm tonight, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded to the 6100 block of Washington Boulevard in Elkridge for a reported fire at the White Elk Motel. When firefighters arrived they found the 2nd floor unit fully involved with flames.

This holiday, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is doing its part to help alleviate some of the burden for those citizens in need. Beginning December 9, 2011 through January 13, 2012, each fire station will serve as a drop off site for non-perishable donations for the Howard County Food Bank.Citizens are highly encouraged to stop by their local fire station and give what they can.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce that it will be conducting one of its first live-burn fire trainings. Firefighters will advance into the home after it has been set on fire and be charged with extinguishing the blaze. More than 25 firefighters will participate in the training and several instructors and safety personnel will also be on hand.

The holidays are a great time for family gatherings but did you know that Thanksgiving is also the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year.

As residents prepare to change their clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 6th, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) would also like to remind citizens to change the battery in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Howard County Volunteer Firemen’s Association is proud to announce the upcoming 2011 open houses. This year’s open houses includes activities for the whole family, including demonstrations with K-9 dogs, armored vehicles, obstacle courses, face painting and an opportunity to explore the Safety House. All activities are free of charge and open to the public.

Howard County Police and Fire & Rescue Services are reminding residents to put safety first this Halloween. Police will be out in force Halloween weekend to help ensure a safe and fun holiday. Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services is also reminding residents of fire and other safety hazards that are common on Halloween.

Just after 9am this morning, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 8900 block of Tawes Street for a reported gas leak in the Maple Lawn Luxury Townhomes development.

To kick off ice cream season and raise awareness about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), Baskin Robbins is teaming up with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services to serve up its newest flavor, Firehouse #31.

At approximately 1:30am, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a reported townhouse fire in the 6700 Block of Ducketts Lane in Elkridge, MD. HCDFRS units arrived on the scene to find an end of the row townhouse with fire coming through the roof.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce new training dates for the child passenger safety certification program. This program is a part of a national initiative through Safe Kids Worldwide, State Farm, the National Child Passenger Safety Board and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to equip citizens with skills to keep children safe.

In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Sunday, May 15th through Saturday May 20th, 2011, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) invites the community to stop by their local station to meet our ‘Everyday Heroes’ and become familiar with their services.

Just after 2pm this afternoon, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responded to the 7900 block of Washington Boulevard for a reported fire at the Holiday Inn in Jessup.

Just before 12:30pm on October 1, 2011, crews responded to the 12000 block of Little Patuxent Parkway for reports of an apartment fire. Firefighters arrived to find the first floor apartment fully engulfed with heavy smoke spreading to the surrounding units. Crews rescued two women that lived above, one of whom was evaluated for smoke inhalation but refused treatment.

The Howard County Professional Firefighters, Local 2000, who in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) will once again put the pink spotlight on breast cancer awareness during the entire month of October. For the second year in a row, firefighters and paramedics will put away their normal uniform shirt in order to rock a pink breast cancer awareness shirt. Shirts are also for sale to the general public.

At approximately 7:30 pm this evening, crews responded to the 2500 block of McKendree Road in West Friendship, for a barn fire with other buildings in close proximity. When units arrived, they encountered heavy fire in a 75 ft by 50 ft barn filled with over 1000 bales of straw. There were no animals or workers in the barn.

So often, when a member of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) responds to a call or helps a citizen in need, there isn’t always time to say thank you or job well done. This Thursday May 5th, the families of our personnel and several members of the community will gather to pay tribute to the men and women who make this a truly exceptional Department.

What’s the best way to protect your family from fire? Be prepared, of course. With more than 360,000 home fires reported in the United States in 2009, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), your best defense is a good offense. That’s why the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is teaming up with local partners during the week of October 9th-15th, to let our community know: “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!”

Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services (HCDFRS) recently received the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Life Safety Initiaives Program Seal of Excellence Award for demonstrating a commitment to the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initistives. The Seal of Excellence is presented to individuals, groups, departments or organizations who have established outstanding efforts to making the American fire service safer.

Trainee Class 26 is comprised of 25 members, and includes one of the largest number of female graduates in the history of the Department. For the past seven months, these trainees have undergone more than 1100 hours of training in firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, medical services, hazardous materials and rescue techniques.

During the devastating storm system that hit North Carolina in April, one of Howard County’s special operations members was there assisting. Captain Michael Sharpe was attending a heavy vehicle rescue course at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford when the tornado struck.

Saint Agnes Hospital recently partnered with Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) to train and equip the county’s paramedics with the Glidescope, a state-of-the-art device which provides a panoramic, video assist real-time view of a patient’s airway during emergency placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe (intubation). To improve patient safety and outcomes for this critically important, life-saving procedure, HCDFRS has acquired a Glidescope for each of the ambulances serving the County’s residents, of whom 100 to 150 per year require intubation by paramedics for respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.

This January, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is encouraging citizens to renew their commitment to save a life by practicing citizen CPR. When performed correctly, CPR can save a person's life by restoring breathing and circulation until advanced life support can be given by first responders.

As National Burn Awareness Week (February 7th – 12th) kicks off across the nation, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding parents locally to practice prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 465 children ages 14 and under die due to unintentional fire or burn related injuries each year. Children ages 3 and younger are of the greatest risk.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Seaman as the first medical director within the state of Maryland to work full-time serving a fire and rescue department.

For the first year ever, firefighters in Howard County went PINK in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of October, they wore PINK T-shirts to raise money and awareness. All proceeds were donated to the MD Red Devils.

Fire Chief William Goddard is joined by Public Education Specialist, Dylan Murray to present the Department's first ever Safety House Hero Award. The recipients are two Fulton Elementary siblings, Jacob Rand and Rosettes Rand.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services broke ground on two new fire stations, Savage Fire Station and Glenwood Fire Station. Construction on these two stations is expected to be completed by 2012.